TECHNICAL RIVER RESOURCES

Report:

WHERE RIVERS ARE BORN: The Scientific Imperative for Defending Small Streams and Wetlands and Bibliography. "Where Rivers are Born" documents the values of headwater streams for various human and ecological functions, including water quality and water supply. The report is a layperson's version of a technical paper written by 10 leading river ecologists. The lead author of the scientific paper is professor Judy Meyer of the University of Georgia, who serves on American Rivers' Board of Directors.

EPA’s Watershed Management Handbook

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans which should be useful for those groups working on impaired or threatened waters. The guide is designed for communities, watershed groups, and local, state, tribal, and federal environmental agencies. It is meant to help in designing and implementing watershed plans by walking users through the entire watershed planning process including monitoring and assessment, community outreach, best management practices, data bases, implementation, feedback, and plan adjustment. The draft handbook is available online here. You can also order a free copy from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications by calling 800-490-9198 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . When ordering, refer to EPA document number EPA 841-B-05-005.

EPD Website With Technical Guidance Resources

Land Development

EPA Report - Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development - The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the U.S. population will grow by 50 million people between 2000 and 2020. Many communities are asking where and how they can accommodate this growth while maintaining and improving their water resources. This report helps guide communities through this debate to better understand the impacts of high- and low-density development on water resources. For free hard copies of any of these publications, please send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (800) 490-9198. Electronic versions of these publications are available here.

Riparian Buffers and Streambank Stabilization

Life at the Water's Edge - A Guide to Stream Care in Georgia
This publication reviews simple stream care practices targeted at homeowners. Contact the EPD Outreach Division for a copy of this manual by calling 404-675-1639.
Field Guide for Determining the Presence of State Waters That Require a Buffer - September, 2006 (Scroll down the page and find this pdf under "Erosion and Sedimentation")

USDA Streambank Stabilization Guide - USDA has produced a resource for those interested in learning about streambank stabilization projects. You can download the chapters online or order a hard copy for free.

Riparian Setbacks: Technical Information for Decision Makers
This a review of the recent scientific literature organized to provide the scientific basis upon which a township or municipality could begin the task of defending a riparian setback ordinance from the growing, increasingly sophisticated legal challenges being mounted by the development community. Within that overview the document touches on recent literature on wood in streams, sedimentation effects, shading and temperature effects, and some interesting literature on riparian forest effects on flood damages and bank stability.

Water Management Toolkits for Local Government

A basic educational toolkit put together by Department of Community Affairs for local officials and those working to protect our water resources. Click here.

Watershed and Wetland Protection Information

This is a collection of resources compiled by the Center for Watershed Protection. Click here.